Covert tobacco smoking pipe

ABSTRACT

The covert pipe apparatus for facilitating smoking tobacco is disclosed. The pipe apparatus includes a tubular element having a first end and a second end and a hollow semi-cylindrical element for holding tobacco during smoking, wherein the hollow semi-cylindrical element fits securely within the tubular element and includes perforations in its surface. The pipe apparatus further includes a first torus located on a first end of the hollow semi-cylindrical element, wherein a flame ingresses into the first torus during smoking and a second torus located on a second end of the hollow semi-cylindrical element, wherein smoke from burning tobacco egresses from the second torus during smoking. The pipe apparatus also includes a functional element, such as a pen, pencil, laser pointer, or flashlight, for coupling to the first end of the tubular element, when the pipe apparatus is not in use for smoking.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/387,039, filed Sep. 28, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of tobacco smoking, and more particularly, relates to the field of pipes for tobacco smoking.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tobacco, and tobacco smoking-related products, is a major world industry, from the product itself, to pipes, papers, advertising, and even magazines on the subject. A common way to smoke tobacco involves the use of a smoking pipe. Unfortunately, there can be negative social and cultural connotations to using a pipe in public. Namely, the use of a smoking pipe is often associated with the use of illegal drugs. As such, users of pipes for smoking tobacco often hide while using a pipe and must conceal their tobacco smoking pipes when they are not in use. This can be annoying for a tobacco smoker.

Consequently, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above, and particularly for an effective tobacco smoking apparatus that does not possess a negative cultural or social connotation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a covert pipe apparatus for facilitating smoking tobacco is disclosed. The pipe apparatus includes a tubular element having a first end and a second end and a hollow semi-cylindrical element for holding tobacco during smoking, wherein the hollow semi-cylindrical element fits securely within the tubular element and includes perforations in its surface. The pipe apparatus further includes a first torus located on a first end of the hollow semi-cylindrical element, wherein a flame ingresses into the first torus during smoking and a second torus located on a second end of the hollow semi-cylindrical element, wherein a smoke from burning tobacco egresses from the second torus during smoking. The pipe apparatus also includes an attachable functional element, such as a pen or pencil element, for coupling to the first end of the tubular element, when the pipe apparatus is not in use for smoking.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For illustrating the invention, the figures are shown in the embodiments that are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely an illustration of a an exploded view of a covert pipe apparatus.

FIG. 2 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely an illustration of a perspective view of a covert pipe apparatus.

FIG. 3 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely an illustration of a perspective view of a covert pipe apparatus.

FIG. 4 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely an illustration of a perspective view of a covert pipe apparatus.

FIG. 5 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely an illustration of a perspective view of a covert pipe apparatus.

FIG. 6 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely an illustration of several embodiments of a covert pipe apparatus.

FIG. 7 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely an illustration of a perspective view of multiple embodiments of a hollow semi-cylindrical element of a covert pipe apparatus.

FIG. 8 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely an illustration of a perspective view of a covert pipe apparatus.

FIG. 9 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely an illustration of a perspective view of a covert pipe apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention depicts an inventive solution to the fore mentioned issues related to tobacco smoking apparatuses.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms of art, notations and other scientific terms or terminology used herein are intended to have the meanings commonly understood by those of skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In some cases, terms with commonly understood meanings are defined herein for clarity and/or for ready reference, and the inclusion of such definitions herein should not necessarily be construed to represent a substantial difference over what is generally understood in the art. Many of the techniques and procedures described, or referenced herein, are well understood and commonly employed using conventional methodology by those skilled in the art.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified unless clearly indicated to the contrary. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A without B (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B without A (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

The present invention provides a tobacco smoking apparatus for facilitating the smoking of tobacco while providing a covert smoking apparatus that doubles as a pen, pencil or other small utility device, such as, but not limited to, a laser pointer or flashlight and appears only to be as such to those in view of the device. The apparatus of the present invention is beneficial to a tobacco smoker because it conceals the smoking pipe on his person and protects the smoker from the negative cultural or social connotations associated with a smoking pipe. Further, the covert smoking apparatus doubles as a pen or pencil or other small utility device, such as, but not limited to, a laser pointer or flashlight and thereby provides this additional functionality to the user, such that he is not required to carry a pen, pencil or other small utility devices when he is carrying the present invention.

Furthermore, the inventive device herein, eliminates the use of “rolling paper” and is an all in one deice. Thus saving money for the user. The invention herein is a mechanical cigarette, that is reusable and durable. This covert device is also very tough and almost unbreakable. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the preferred method is made out of stainless steel. A person skilled in the art could make the device out of any metal for the same purpose to accomplish the same durable result.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, in FIG. 1, a covert pipe apparatus 100 is shown comprising a tubular element 102 and a hollow semi-cylindrical element 104, comprising a hollow cylinder shape that has been cut in half longitudinally.

FIG. 1 shows a tubular element 102 having a first end and a second end and a hollow semi-cylindrical element 104 for holding tobacco during smoking, wherein the hollow semi-cylindrical element 104 fits securely within the tubular element 102 and includes perforations in its surface. FIG. 1 also shows a first torus 106 located on a first end of the hollow semi-cylindrical element 104, wherein a flame ingresses into the first torus 106 during smoking. FIG. 1 further shows a second torus 108 located on a second end of the hollow semi-cylindrical element 104, wherein smoke from burning tobacco egresses from the second torus 108 during smoking. FIG. 1 also shows a clip element 130 comprising a cuff and a clip coupled thereto, wherein the clip element 130 is coupled to an exterior surface of the tubular element 102.

Importantly, FIG. 1 shows an attachable functional element for coupling to the first end of the tubular element 102, when the pipe apparatus 100 is not in use for smoking. The attachable functional element shown is a pen or pencil element 110 and adds to the covert characteristics of the apparatus 100 or plausibility that the apparatus 100 does not appear to be a smoking pipe, but rather a writing apparatus. In some embodiments, the pipe apparatus 100 may include other attachable functional elements, in addition to a pen or pencil, such as a laser pointer, flash light, retractable pointing sticks, or the like.

FIG. 1 further shows a tubular sleeve 120 located on an exterior surface of the second end of the tubular element 102. In some embodiments, the tubular sleeve is made of rubber. As would be understood by those skilled in the art, the tubular sleeve 120 may also be made of any other material that would allow for coupling of the tubular elements, such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, composite materials, wood, cork and combinations thereof. Additionally, in some embodiments, the apparatus 100 can include a second tubular element 122 having a spear on a first end as shown, wherein a second end of the second tubular element 122 is removably coupled to the second end of the tubular element 102 via the tubular sleeve 120. Once attached to the apparatus 100, the second tubular element 122 can be punched or stabbed into the side of a semi-liquid-filled container, thereby resulting in the creation of a water pipe as seen in FIG. 4.

FIG. 1 also shows a sleeve 132 coupled to an exterior surface of the first torus 106, such that a user may hold the sleeve 132 to move the hollow semi-cylindrical element 104 into and out of tubular element 102 during smoking.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the sleeve 132 may additionally comprise a flint such that it can produce a spark when quickly twisted, allowing for ignition of the tobacco for smoking.

In FIG. 3, a covert pipe apparatus 100 is shown in use as a smoking apparatus. In the embodiment shown, the user places their lips around the tubular sleeve 120 while the pipe apparatus 100 is in use. As would be understood by those skilled in the art, additional tubular elements may be removably coupled to the second end of the tubular element 102 via the tubular sleeve 120 which would allow a user to smoke from the apparatus. These additional tubular elements may be in a variety of shapes adapted for ease of use and comfort for the user's lips or smoking preferences. The tubular elements may also have smoking filters within the tubular element, or the tubular element may be adapted for removable filters.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the second tubular element 122 can be punched, stabbed and/or inserted into the side of a semi-liquid-filled container to result in the creation of a water pipe.

In FIG. 5, an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the hollow semi-cylindrical element 104 may be slid partially out of the tubular element 102 during smoking to allow more air to penetrate the tobacco in the element 104. As shown, the semi-cylindrical element 104 may be slid inwards or outwards within the tubular element 102 to adjust the oxygen availability and burn of the tobacco within the semi-cylindrical element 104. Additionally, the clip element 130 is coupled to the first end of the hollow semi-cylindrical element 104 during smoking, such that a user may hold the clip to move the element 104 into and out of the tubular element 102 during smoking.

In FIG. 6, embodiments of the present invention are shown, wherein additional attachable functional elements are used with the pipe apparatus 100 by coupling via the tubular sleeve 120 to the first end of the tubular element 102. In one embodiment, a pen element 110 is shown for coupling to the first end of the tubular element 102, when the pipe apparatus 100 is not in use for smoking. In another embodiment, a flashlight element 610 is shown for coupling to the first end of the tubular element 102, when the pipe apparatus 100 is not in use for smoking. In another embodiment, a laser pointer element 620 is shown for coupling to the first end of the tubular element 102, when the pipe apparatus 100 is not in use for smoking. In each of the aforementioned embodiments, the first end of the tubular element 102 may additionally be adapted for removably connecting to the attachable functional elements without the use of the tubular sleeve 120.

In FIG. 7, embodiments of the hollow semi-cylindrical element 104 are shown. The embodiments also show a first torus 106 located on a first end of the hollow semi-cylindrical element 104, wherein a flame ingresses into the first torus 106 during smoking. FIG. 7 further shows a second torus 108 located on a second end of the hollow semi-cylindrical element 104, wherein smoke from burning tobacco egresses from the second torus 108 during smoking.

FIG. 7 also shows a filter 701 adapted for insertion into the hollow semi-cylindrical element 104 at the location of the second torus 108. In some embodiments, the filter 701 may be removable. In some embodiments, the filter 701 is permanently attached to the hollow semi-cylindrical element 104. In further embodiments, the permanently attached filter may be made of a material that is washable and reusable to extend the life of the filter 701 and the hollow semi-cylindrical element 104.

FIG. 7 further shows an embodiment of the present invention wherein a sleeve 132 is coupled to an exterior surface of the first torus 106. In some embodiments, the sleeve 132 is adapted such that a user may hold the sleeve 132 to move the hollow semi-cylindrical element 104 into and out of tubular element 102 during smoking. In some embodiments, the sleeve 132 is further adapted such that it can additionally comprise a flint such that it can produce a spark when quickly twisted, allowing for ignition of the tobacco for smoking.

In FIG. 8, an embodiment of the present invention is shown in various stages of use, wherein the clip element 130 comprising a cuff and a clip coupled thereto is coupled to an exterior surface of the tubular element 102. The hollow semi-cylindrical element 104 may be slid partially out of the tubular element 102 while depressing the clip element 130 such that the end of the clip element 130 slides against the semi-cylindrical element 104 interiorly causing the clip element 130 to slide the tobacco and/or ashes such that the semi-cylindrical element 104 is cleaned of the tobacco and/or ashes. As a last step, the clip may be released, resulting in the tobacco and/or ashes being exited from the semi-cylindrical element 104. The end of the clip element 130 that slides against the semi-cylindrical element 104 interiorly may be shaped such that it fits within the semi-cylindrical element 104 to efficiently remove contents therefrom (see FIG. 1 for a depiction of the shape of at least one embodiment of the clip element 130).

It would be further understood by those skilled in the art that the tobacco may also be removed by sliding the hollow semi-cylindrical element 104 partially out of the tubular element 102, without the use of the clip element 130, as shown in FIG. 9. A final tapping of the apparatus may remove any residual tobacco and/or ashes left in the semi-cylindrical element 104. Optionally, the clip element 130 may then be used to remove any remaining tobacco and/or ashes by sliding the clip against the semi-cylindrical element 104 interiorly, as previously described.

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Abstract section, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Abstract section may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way.

The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance. The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. 

1. A covert pipe apparatus for facilitating smoking tobacco, comprising: a tubular element having a first end and a second end; a hollow semi-cylindrical element for holding tobacco during smoking, wherein the hollow semi-cylindrical element fits securely within the tubular element and includes perforations in its surface; a first torus located on a first end of the hollow semi-cylindrical element, wherein a flame ingresses into the first torus during smoking; a second torus located on a second end of the hollow semi-cylindrical element, wherein smoke from burning tobacco egresses from the second torus during smoking; and an attachable functional element for coupling to the first end of the tubular element when the pipe apparatus is not in use for smoking.
 2. The covert pipe of claim 1, further comprising a tubular sleeve located on an exterior surface of the second end of the tubular element.
 3. The covert pipe of claim 2, wherein the tubular sleeve is made of a material selected from the group comprising rubber, plastic, metal, composite materials, wood, cork and combinations thereof.
 2. The covert pipe apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachable functional element is selected from the group comprising a pencil, pen, laser pointer, flashlight, and retractable pointing stick.
 4. The covert pipe of claim 1, further comprising a second tubular element having a spear on a first end, wherein a second end of the second tubular element is removably coupled to the second end of the tubular element via the tubular sleeve.
 5. The covert pipe of claim 1, wherein the hollow semi-cylindrical element may be slid partially out of the tubular element during smoking.
 6. The covert pipe of claim 1, further comprising a clip element comprising a cuff and a clip coupled thereto, wherein the clip element is coupled to an exterior surface of the tubular element.
 7. The covert pipe of claim 6, wherein the clip element is coupled to the first end of the hollow semi-cylindrical element during smoking, such that a user may hold the clip to move the hollow semi-cylindrical element during smoking.
 8. The covert pipe of claim 1, further comprising a sleeve coupled to an exterior surface of the first torus, such that a user may hold the sleeve to move the hollow semi-cylindrical element during smoking.
 9. The covert pipe of claim 8, wherein the sleeve comprises a flint, whereby the flint can be rotated for generating a spark to ignite tobacco.
 10. The covert pipe of claim 1, further comprising a filter within the hollow semi-cylindrical element.
 11. A covert pipe apparatus for facilitating smoking tobacco, comprising: a tubular element having a first end and a second end; a hollow semi-cylindrical element for holding tobacco during smoking, wherein the hollow semi-cylindrical element fits securely within the tubular element and includes perforations in its surface; a first torus located on a first end of the hollow semi-cylindrical element, wherein a flame ingresses into the first torus during smoking; a second torus located on a second end of the hollow semi-cylindrical element, wherein smoke from burning tobacco egresses from the second torus during smoking; and an attachable functional element for coupling to the first end of the tubular element wherein the attachable functional element is selected from the group comprising a pencil, pen, laser pointer, flashlight, and retractable pointing stick.
 12. A covert pipe apparatus for facilitating smoking tobacco, comprising: a tubular element having a first end and a second end; a hollow semi-cylindrical element for holding tobacco during smoking, wherein the hollow semi-cylindrical element fits securely within the tubular element and includes a filter and perforations in its surface; a first torus located on a first end of the hollow semi-cylindrical element, wherein a flame ingresses into the first torus during smoking; a second torus located on a second end of the hollow semi-cylindrical element, wherein smoke from burning tobacco egresses from the second torus during smoking; and an attachable functional element for coupling to the first end of the tubular element.
 12. The covert pipe of claim 12, further comprising a tubular sleeve located on an exterior surface of the second end of the tubular element.
 13. The covert pipe of claim 12, wherein the tubular sleeve is made of a material selected from the group comprising rubber, plastic, metal, composite materials, wood, cork and combinations thereof.
 14. The covert pipe apparatus of claim 12, wherein the attachable functional element is selected from the group comprising a pencil, pen, laser pointer, flashlight, and retractable pointing stick.
 15. The covert pipe of claim 12, further comprising a second tubular element having a spear on a first end, wherein a second end of the second tubular element is removably coupled to the second end of the tubular element via the tubular sleeve.
 16. The covert pipe of claim 12, wherein the hollow semi-cylindrical element may be slid partially out of the tubular element during smoking.
 17. The covert pipe of claim 12, further comprising a clip element comprising a cuff and a clip coupled thereto, wherein the clip element is coupled to an exterior surface of the tubular element.
 18. The covert pipe of claim 12, further comprising a sleeve coupled to an exterior surface of the first torus, such that a user may hold the sleeve to move the hollow semi-cylindrical element during smoking.
 19. The covert pipe of claim 12, wherein the sleeve comprises a flint, whereby the flint can be rotated for generating a spark to ignite tobacco.
 20. The covert pipe of claim 12, further comprising a filter within the hollow semi-cylindrical element. 